How to Build a Backyard Picnic Table

Nothing says summer more than a barbecue in the backyard. Friends and family gather around picnic tables to share, eat and celebrate warm days and refreshing breezes. Picnic tables come in many shapes and sizes and can carry a hefty price tag. A comfortable, sturdy backyard picnic table can be constructed by anyone wishing to add some extra outdoor seating to their yard. This table, with separate benches, offers flexibility without considerable expense. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Picnic Table

1

Cut four pieces of of 2-by-4 inch pine 37 inches long. These pieces will be the legs. Trim each of the ends of the legs on a 10-degree angle. Drill a 1/2-inch hole in the middle of each of the legs. Position two of the leg pieces to form an "X" with the 1/2-inch holes lined up. Adjust the upper and lower edges so they are 22 1/2 inches apart. Using the pre-drilled hole, bolt the two boards together with carriage bolts. Repeat this with the other legs.

2

Cut two boards from 2-by-4 inch pine measuring 17 1/2 inches long. These boards will be leg supports. Cut each end of the boards at an angle to match the legs. Place a support board over one end of the "X." It should butt against one leg and overlap the other. Screw the support board into place in the side of each board. Repeat on the other "X."

3

Cut five pieces from 1-by-6 inch pine, measuring 60 inches long. These pieces will be the top of the picnic table. Lay all the top pieces out together on a flat surface.

4

Cut three top supports from 2-by-4 inch pine, measuring 60 inches long. Place them on top of the top boards parallel to each other, 22 1/4 inches apart and 5 1/2 inches from the ends. The boards will be perpendicular to the top planks. The boards need to be laying on their sides. Using 1-inch wood screws, screw the top of the table to the supports. Flip the table top over. Screw the "X" shaped legs to the side of the support boards , using 2 1/2-inch wood screws. Sand all rough edges of the table.

The Benches

5

Cut four pieces of 2-by-10 inch pine, each with a length of 16 inches. These will be the legs of the two benches.

6

Cut two bench tops from 2-by-10 inch pine. Arrange two of the bench legs parallel to each other, and 45 inches apart. Place a bench top over the two legs. The top will over hang the benches by 6 inches. Using 2 1/2-inch wood screws, screw the top of the bench to the legs. Have an assistant help to hold the leg steady as you screw it into place. Repeat for the other bench.

7

Cut four bench supports out of 2-by-10 inch pine. Cut a 30-degree angle on each end of the supports. Fit the supports on each bench between a leg and the seat. Screw them into place with 2 1/2-inch wood screws. Sand all rough edges of the benches. Paint or stain the bench in a desired color.